In Haiti, spaghetti is a way of life, enjoyed at any time of the day – be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Growing up, it was a common sight in my home to have a plate of steaming hot spaghetti paired with a refreshing Cola Couronne or “gran manjè”, or a glass of “Jis citron byen si” (sour lemon juice) on the side.
With this vegan Haitian spaghetti recipe, I’ve recreated the warmth and joy of those meals, but with a plant-based twist. It retains all the rich, vibrant flavors of the traditional dish, swapping out meats for wholesome, nutritious alternatives.
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to explore the delightful variety of Haitian cuisine, this dish is a celebration of flavor and tradition that I’m excited to share with you.
If you are a Haitian who doesn’t mind to “manje san byann” eat without meat or just want to give the renown Haitian spaghetti a go, you are going to like this one!
The Ingredients for Haitian Spaghetti Recipe In process… The End Result
Instructions to Cook Haitian spaghetti
Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes. Then, add the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, vegetable broth, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Vegan Sausage and Mushrooms (optional): If using, add the sliced vegan sausage and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and the mushrooms are tender. If you’re adding cooked black beans, stir them in now to heat through.
Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce and the mixture is heated through.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving. Enjoy your vegan Haitian spaghetti hot!
Other Spaghetti Recipes:
Haitian Spaghetti with Herring
Secrets for the Perfect Sauce
If you’ve ever eaten Haitian spaghetti, you already know the sauce is the star. It’s rich, savory, a little spicy, and deeply comforting. But one of the most common questions people ask is:
“What kind of hot dogs or sausage should I use?”
In Haitian cooking, the meat you choose adds a big part of that signature flavor.
Traditional Haitian spaghetti is often made with sliced hot dogs. The best options are:
- Beef hot dogs for a deeper, richer taste
- Turkey hot dogs if you want something lighter
- Classic franks with a mild smoky flavor
Hot dogs give the sauce that familiar Haitian street-food comfort.
For More Flavor: Smoked Sausage
If you want a heartier, more grown-up version, smoked sausage is an amazing upgrade.
Try:
- Smoked kielbasa
- Andouille sausage (for extra spice)
- Creole-style smoked sausage if you can find it
Smoked sausage adds a bold, slightly smoky depth that makes the sauce taste like it simmered all day.
A Little Tip for Authentic Taste
No matter which one you choose, the key is to:
- Slice it thin
- Brown it first in oil
- Let it flavor the base before adding tomato paste or sauce
That quick browning step adds so much richness and gives your spaghetti that true Haitian-style taste.
Haitian spaghetti Recipe
Authentic Haitian Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 vegan sausage (optional), sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked black beans (optional for added protein)
- Green onions or parsley, for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of water with a pinch of salt, and cook the spaghetti following the instructions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. After draining, set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a sizable skillet over a medium flame. Once the oil is warm, introduce the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften, roughly 5 minutes. Next, add garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until it releases its aroma.
- Enhance the Flavor: Mix in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a few minutes. Follow this by adding the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, along with the vegetable broth, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Allow the mixture to simmer for around 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Incorporate Vegan Sausage and Mushrooms: Should you choose to use them, incorporate the vegan sausage slices and mushrooms into the skillet. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage has slightly browned and the mushrooms have softened. If adding cooked black beans, add them at this stage to warm them up.
- Mix with Spaghetti: Toss the previously cooked spaghetti into the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated with the sauce and the entire dish is warmed thoroughly.
- Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the dish as a garnish. Serve the vegan Haitian spaghetti warm and enjoy!
I was born and grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where my grandmas, mom, and aunts taught me everything about cooking. Now, I live in the US, and I love hiking, reading, and making meals for my family.
